TNAG-0004-FCO40-40-Departmental-briefs-about-Hong-Kong-1968 — Page 165

TALKING POINTS

Hong Kong Brief No. 31

HWB 17.

HIS

Papl.

2.

DMR

A. Constitution

B. Constitutional Reform

There are no matters which we should wish the Secretary of

State to raise with the Governor.

2.

In talking to officials and to unofficial members of the

Executive and Legislative Councils, the S. of S. should be aware that:-

(a) Members of the central government institutions

(i.e. Executive and Legislative Councils) are all

nominated. Eleated representation would import the

politics of the conflicting Chinese Nationalist and

Communist regimes and might lead ultimately to

Communist control of these institutions;

8%.

(b) China regards Hong Kong as Chinese territory to be

recovered in due course. To take steps implying that

Hong Kong could have a future other than reincorporation with China (i.e. to set the Colony along the normal

Colonial progression towards representative and autonomous government) would undoubtedly precipitate

Chinese demands for the Colony's return.

These factors inhibiting constitutional advance are well known to unofficials and officials alike and can be discussed freely with them. Many discerning members of the general public are aware of them and from time to time they are

mentioned in the Hong Kong Press. But we do not mention them in any official

utterances or statements, although Mr. Lee, both in Parliament and publicly in

Hong Kong, has referred to "clear and obvious limitations on political develop- ment in the territory".

3.

The mass

There is no general demand for constitutional advance. of the Chinese population do not want and do not seek to be associated with the

conduct of public affairs. There are a few small groups (with a total claimed membership not exceeding 20,000) who talk loudly of "political frustration" and

autocratic government e.g. the United Nationals Association, Reform Club, Civic

Association, and their views are prominently disseminated in certain sections of the local Press. Apart from this, the Secretary of State will see little

evidence of political consciousness or interest in Hong Kong; and this is a point that can be safely (and usefully) made in discussion.

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